These bees (also called mason bees) are a little smaller and similar coloration of the common honeybee. They are darker though in color and have light yellow bands on their abdomen. They differ from the honeybee because they are not aggressive, are not social and do not normally sting.

Adults live 2-3 months in hot weather and can lay 30-40 eggs. Females do all the work themselves. This includes finding and preparing the nests, and collecting the food necessary for the young larvae to overwinter in a cocoon (looks like a small cigar) that she builds out of leaves nectar and pollen. They build their nests in soft rotting wood and small canes that are easy to bore into.

They don't eat the leaves of plants but do cut holes in them and sometimes cut them off to use in their egg cases. Usually the worst that can happen is that your plants, especially your roses and bougainvillea will look unsightly. In rare instances some plants, if unhealthy, will die because of the damage. Some years leaf cutting bees can kill many mature plants. Roses and lilacs are the most likely candidates for leaf cutters but sometimes other ornamentals are targets as well.

Leaf Cutting Bees are also known to cause damage to foam roofing products. The surface of these roofs seems to be ideal for the laying of the bee's eggs, and as a result of their activities, both the waterproofing and insulating capabilities are compromised.